Author: Adelyn O'Connell

American politics is a never-ending debate between Republicans and Democrats. Most environmentalists would appreciate it if the environment was not a subject of debate, but with natural resources being vital to our economy, that’s simply impossible. So instead, let me guide you through environmental politics and help you understand what the debates are about.

Republicanism is defined by the values of “political liberty, understood as non-domination or independence from arbitrary power,” which means that Republicans often vote in favor of the small government and financial independence. When applied to environmental politics, Republican politicians often propose environmental policies focusing on individuals making sustainable choices. This puts the power to protect the environment in the hands of the individual, without condemning corporations and businesses for unsustainable practices. Republican economic values conflict with protecting the environment, which is why we often see Republicans opposing environmental protection bills. The “Green Deal” proposed by President Biden and supported by several other Democrats is a political step towards 0-emissions and limiting pollution. In response to the bill, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said, “Right out of the gates in 2023, E&C Republicans will be leading to reverse the damage of President Biden’s energy crisis with solutions that unleash America’s vast energy abundance and lower carbon emissions.” Some would be confused by Rep. Rodgers’ opposition, however, has negative impacts on the fuel and oil industry, an industry that the US economy is reliant on for all of our energy needs.

Democrats differ in economic values in many ways. While Republicans believe the consequences of damaging the fuel industry are an issue, many Democrats would argue that being so dependent on non-renewable fuel is a bigger issue. A recent example of their support comes from uprising support among Democrats for natural gas. An article from the Washington Post captures former senator Mary Landrieu said, “Yes, this country needs to move forward on wind and solar, but we need to back it up with a fuel that we can count on a power source, and that’s natural gas. It’s abundant, it’s cheap, and it can be cleaner.” Democrats are known for supporting general welfare for all, and protecting the environment is included within those ideals. So typically, environmental protection policies are proposed by Democrats. Progressive bills like the Green Deal are mostly supported by Democrats. Also, most states that have supported things like the Zero Emissions Vehicles program (ZEV) and other programs to reduce emissions are primarily a Democratic population.

This is not to say that all Republicans are against environmental protection, or that all Democrats support environmental protection. This is rather to bring awareness to the general beliefs held by each party. Republican supporters often prioritize economic well-being over environmental protection. This often means letting corporations (specifically in the fuel industry) make unsustainable decisions without government restrictions. Democratic supporters tend to vote in favor of environmental protection, like reducing emissions and pollution. However, it is very difficult to pass “progressive” environmental legislation in a bipartisan government, which is why we see the Republican environmental agenda more prevalently. Both parties have valid interests, but the question of whether the government should value short-term wealth over long-term damage to our essential resources on Earth is one that some politicians may want to reevaluate.

Sources:

Joselow, Maxine. “Analysis | Under fire, the gas industry is hiring Democratic politicians to help.” The Washington Post, 2 February 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/02/under-fire-gas-industry-is-hiring-democratic-politicians-help/. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Korte, Cara. “Democrats hope to pass a clean energy standard that will force utilities to go green.” CBS News, 26 July 2021, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/clean-energy-federal-standard-democrats/. Accessed 19 April 2023.

“Laws & Regulations | US EPA.” Environmental Protection Agency, 11 October 2022, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Lovett, Frank. “Republicanism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy).” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 19 June 2006, https://plato.stanford.edu/Entries/republicanism/. Accessed 19 April 2023.

With the imminent threat of climate change looming over our earth, it’s important to do your part in reducing the effects of greenhouse gases. Everything has a “carbon footprint”, however, humans have the largest carbon footprint out of all beings on the planet. A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide, as well as other carbon compounds, that is emitted as a result of one person’s use of fossil fuels. The foods you eat, how you get to and from work, the clothes you buy, and many other things are examples of things that increase your carbon footprint. Let’s discuss how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Food

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by changing what you eat and where you buy your groceries. Large, commercial grocery stores receive shipments from all over the world. During the shipping process, copious amounts of fossil fuels are burnt. On average, an airplane produces 3.48 lbs of carbon for each ton of food it transports. Because of this, eating locally produced food will reduce your carbon footprint, as well as help you contribute to your community. Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by eating less meat. The meat industry typically uses machinery that produces lots of carbon and preserving and packaging meats use fossil fuels as well. Lastly, avoid buying processed products. They typically come in lots of plastic packaging that produces a lot of carbon and causes pollution because it does not decompose.

Transportation

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2020, nearly 337 million gallons of motor gasoline were burned each day. One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by switching to an electric vehicle. However, not everyone has the financial ability to do that, so you could also consider walking or using a bike to travel shorter distances and public buses for longer distances. If you are going on vacation, consider traveling by train rather than plane, because they burn massive amounts of greenhouse gases.

Clothes

Fast fashion has many negative effects on the environment. During production, fast fashion releases lots of toxins into the atmosphere. Shipping also produces lots of carbon. When reducing your carbon footprint, consider buying handmade, locally sourced clothes. Handmade clothes don’t typically release toxins and locally sourced products will not need to be shipped long distances. Another option is to buy second-hand clothing. Thrift stores and flea markets are great places to find used clothing, and to donate old clothes you don’t want anymore.

Energy

One of the most obvious ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by only using electricity when it is completely necessary. For example, turn off the lights when you leave a room, unplug wires of electronics you aren’t using, and turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth.

Sources:

“How to reduce my carbon footprint? | European Youth Portal.” European Union, 7 September 2021, https://europa.eu/youth/get-involved/sustainable-development/how-reduce-my-carbon-footprint_en. Accessed 3 February 2022.

“Transporting food | alimentarium.” Alimentarium, https://www.alimentarium.org/en/knowledge/transporting-food. Accessed 5 February 2022.

“Use of gasoline – US Energy Information Administration.” EIA, https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/use-of-gasoline.php. Accessed 7 February 2022.

“What is your carbon footprint? | Carbon Footprint Calculator.” The Nature Conservancy, https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/. Accessed 3 February 2022.

Living in the 21st century, society is used to all of the implementations of technology in our world. Most people have phones always within arms reach, or a car that they use to commute to every destination. Global and national news is communicated to use through websites and television. COVID-19 increased the use of websites like Zoom and Skype to allow for communication during the lockdown. Technology is everywhere and is constantly being used.

Evidence of technology negatively affecting the environment is transportation. On average, a passenger vehicle produces 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. On the other end, advancements in technology have allowed for the invention of solar power, which reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce energy. So does technology damage or improve the environment?

What are the positive effects of technology?

There are two main types of positive effects that technology has on the environment: the internet and scientific advancements. The internet allows for increased awareness of environmental issues. It is much easier to observe natural disasters that occurred on the other side of the world with access to the internet, than if that resource was not available. Another benefit is that advocates for environmental protection can reach out to a much larger audience. The internet also allows for more accurate collection and analysis of data. For example, it is much easier and faster for the U.S. Census Bureau to collect data. When collecting data takes place both digitally and in person, more people can participate.

Advancements in science have also allowed for the creation of renewable energy. The most widely used form of renewable energy is solar power, however, there are many other kinds of renewable energy that have been invented and implemented. These include hydropower, wind power, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy. As time goes on, renewable energy gets more scientifically developed, these energy types will become more widely used.

What are the negative effects of technology?

Manufacturing technology has a major negative effect on the environment. To create electronics or items like cars and airplanes require lots of raw materials. Mining for raw materials can create lots of pollution. A study done by the EPA in 2008 showed that 73% of the pollution that is produced in manufacturing is released into the air. This affects air quality and can lead to health issues for people living near factories. Electronic waste is also a large strain on the environment. “Technowasted” is another name for electronic trash or e-waste. When items like computers, phones, or cars are no longer usable, instead of being properly disposed of, they are often sent to landfills. Since most of these products are not biodegradable, toxic materials from the heavy metals they are made of can contaminate the ground and water.

It is impossible to say whether technology is completely harmful or not. Because technology is extremely complex and so heavily used, it can not be categorized as helpful or harmful. However, there is a lot of potential for technology to solve most of the environmental issues that are seen in the future, such as plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources:

“B. Effects Of Technology On The Natural World.” National Assessment Governing Board, https://www.nagb.gov/naep-frameworks/technology-and-engineering-literacy/2014-technology-framework/toc/ch_2/society/society2.html. Accessed 5 December 2021.

“Green Computing – Environmental Issues.” The Carnegie Cyber Academy, http://www.carnegiecyberacademy.com/facultyPages/environment/issues.html. Accessed 5 December 2021.

“Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle | US EPA.” US Environmental Protection Agency, 21 July 2021, https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle. Accessed 5 December 2021.Wardynski, DJ. “Positive Effects Of Technology – Making Everyday Life Better.” Brainspire, 16 January 2020, https://www.brainspire.com/blog/positive-effects-of-technology-making-everyday-life-better. Accessed 5 December 2021.

Nearly 100,000 flights take off daily. Air travel is the first choice for long-distance travel. Because of the speed of airplanes, as well as their ability to travel over bodies of water, it’s easy to understand how the industry has become so large and powerful over the last 100 years. 

Although taking an airplane is extremely convenient, scientists and climate experts have given much evidence to show the negative effect that it has on the environment. As of 2019, the aviation industry was responsible for about 2.4% of all global CO2 emissions. This is a result of gases that come from airports (and all of their amenities), building airplanes, and the exhaust that airplane fuel burns. 

Airplane fuel

Airplanes release fuel emissions when they’re in flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 70% of aviation emissions are carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is one of the chemicals that create ozone. Ozone, also known as O3, is “a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms.” Ozone can be both naturally made and man-made. Its main purpose is to protect the planet from dangerous amounts of UV radiation. Too much ozone, specifically near the earth’s surface, can create radiation of its own, which can cause health issues to the people and environment.

Eco-footprint

The Global Footprint Network defines “eco-footprint” as the measurement of how many natural resources a person uses compared to how many we have available. Most eco-conscious individuals are aware of the negative impacts many transportation systems, like cars and semi-trucks, have on the environment. However, the impact aviation has isn’t discussed as often. There are several potential reasons for this. One reason is the assumption that, because they are faster than cars, airplanes don’t burn as much fuel. This is not true. According to the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), for every kilometer traveled by plane, 245g of CO2 are produced. The average car produces 3.2g of CO2 per kilometer. As a result, air travel can have a significant negative effect on each human’s eco-footprint.

Alternative Options

For long-distance travel, airplanes do seem like the easiest option. They are fast and tickets cost the same amount as gas would if one decided to travel by car. Recently, however, the idea of rail systems has become more prominent. They are cheaper and more eco-friendly. Building long-distance trains to rival aviation would benefit travel, and decrease emissions.

Sources:

FAA Office for Emissions and Energy. “Aviation Emissions, Impacts & Mitigation: A Primer, January 2015.” Aviation Emissions, Impacts & Mitigation: A Primer, January 2015, vol. 1, no. 1, 2015, p. 42. FAA, https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/envir_policy/media/primer_jan2015.pdf.

Timperley, Jocelyn. “Should we give up flying for the sake of the climate?” BBC Future, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200218-climate-change-how-to-cut-your-carbon-emissions-when-flying. Accessed 7 November 2021.US EPA. “What is Ozone?” EPA, 2020, https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution-and-your-patients-health/what-ozone#:~:text=Ozone%20(O3)%20is%20a%20highly,either%20good%20or%20bad%20ways. Accessed 7 November 2021.

As an active citizen in my community, as well as a person who loves fruits and vegetables, I’ve found that my local farmers’ market is one of the best places to shop. It doesn’t just give back to my local economy, it is also better for the environment than shopping at a grocery store. Because the food is mostly harvested a few days before the farmers’ market, it is much fresher, contains fewer preservatives, and is higher in nutrient content. Shopping for locally grown food is a must for sustainably active citizens.

How does buying locally benefit the environment?

According to a study done at Iowa State University, the average distance a grape traveled, from the time it was harvested to the (approximate) time it was eaten, was nearly 2,800 miles. The transporting of a grape takes a great deal of energy, as well as money. To be considered “local”, food must be grown 100 or fewer miles from where it is sold. By choosing to eat locally sourced food, you are saving energy and decreasing the number of fossil fuels produced.

How does buying locally benefit the economy?

Typically, money spent at the grocery store goes to large corporations that do not give back to communities. Nearly $1.8 trillion is spent on food annually. Less than 15% of that price goes to local farms. Money spent on locally sourced food ends up supporting the economy of a local government through spending, funding, and more production from the farms. Doubling the percentage of spending on locally sourced food could lead to an increase in local governments’ wealth.

How does buying locally benefit my health?

Fruits and vegetables that are sold in the grocery store can be harvested up to 6 months before they are bought. Not only does this increase the risk of harmful bacteria and exposure to unhealthy substances, but it also decreases the nutritional value of the food. Because of this, lots of food from the grocery store contain preservatives. Preservatives do not make your food more nutritious, their purpose is to keep the food from going bad.

Eating locally has multiple benefits. Many people consider shopping at the grocery store easier because of the convenience, however the environmental, economic, and nutritional factors of buying locally out way the convenience of a grocery store. I strongly encourage you to buy locally sourced food to benefit you and our planet.

As an active citizen in my community, as well as a person who loves fruits and vegetables, I’ve found that my local farmers’ market is one of the best places to shop. It doesn’t just give back to my local economy, it is also better for the environment than shopping at a grocery store. Because the food is mostly harvested a few days before the farmers’ market, it is much fresher, contains fewer preservatives, and is higher in nutrient content. Shopping for locally grown food is a must for sustainably active citizens.

How does buying locally benefit the environment?

According to a study done at Iowa State University, the average distance a grape traveled, from the time it was harvested to the (approximate) time it was eaten, was nearly 2,800 miles. The transporting of a grape takes a great deal of energy, as well as money. To be considered “local”, food must be grown 100 or fewer miles from where it is sold. By choosing to eat locally sourced food, you are saving energy and decreasing the number of fossil fuels produced.

How does buying locally benefit the economy?

Typically, money spent at the grocery store goes to large corporations that do not give back to communities. Nearly $1.8 trillion is spent on food annually. Less than 15% of that price goes to local farms. Money spent on locally sourced food ends up supporting the economy of a local government through spending, funding, and more production from the farms. Doubling the percentage of spending on locally sourced food could lead to an increase in local governments’ wealth.

How does buying locally benefit my health?

Fruits and vegetables that are sold in the grocery store can be harvested up to 6 months before they are bought. Not only does this increase the risk of harmful bacteria and exposure to unhealthy substances, but it also decreases the nutritional value of the food. Because of this, lots of food from the grocery store contain preservatives. Preservatives do not make your food more nutritious, their purpose is to keep the food from going bad.

Eating locally has multiple benefits. Many people consider shopping at the grocery store easier because of the convenience, however the environmental, economic, and nutritional factors of buying locally out way the convenience of a grocery store. I strongly encourage you to buy locally sourced food to benefit you and our planet.

Sources:

Klavinski, Rita. “7 benefits of eating local foods.” MSU Extension, 13 April 2013, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/7_benefits_of_eating_local_foods. Accessed 28 September 2021.

Pirog, Rich S., et al. “Food, Fuel, and Freeways: An Iowa perspective on how far food travels, fuel usage, and greenhouse gas emissions.” Iowa State University, June 2001, https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=leopold_pubspapers. Accessed 5 October 2021.

Smead, Spencer. “The Benefits of Buying Locally Sourced Produce.” Global Food, Health, and Society, 29 November 2018, https://web.colby.edu/st297-global18/2018/11/29/the-benefits-of-buying-locally-sourced-produce/. Accessed 28 September 2021.“What is Sustainable Agriculture?” Union of Concerned Scientists, 10 April 2017, https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/what-sustainable-agriculture?gclid=CjwKCAjw-sqKBhBjEiwAVaQ9ayCNF06E1jddwdU7VsxOeBPJ80VcLWyFRvMEpF5YsvW797uvL82PkBoC8LUQAvD_BwE&utm_campaign=food&utm_medium=search&utm_source=googlegrants. Accessed 28 September 2021.

An oil spill is defined as “the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment.” Oil spills are considered one of the most harmful types of pollution, and one of the most difficult to clean up. They may take weeks, months, and occasionally years to clean because many factors are involved in the clean-up of an oil spill, especially since exposed oil is an immediate fire hazard. 

How do oil spills happen?

Oil spills mostly come from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs disposing of crude oil and its byproducts. Approximately 30-50% of oil spills are a result of human error. This may be indirectly, which is fairly common, or directly, which would just mean a human forgetting to do a part of their job. 20-40% of oil spills are a result of equipment malfunction and/or failure.

What effect do oil spills have on animals?

Oil is very harmful to land life and marine life. Statistically, the animals we see being affected the most are birds and marine animals, like whales, seals, otters, and fish. Oil destroys the insulation birds and animals with fur have. This often leads to them not being dying from hypothermia because of the harsh environments they are now exposed too. Oil can change the growth and digestive patterns of animals if directly ingested, as well as kidney failure. Fish and and shellfish that have been exposed to oil automatically become unsafe for animals and humans to ingest. Oil will clog the blowhole of whales in dolphins, which makes them unable to communicate or breathe, leading to suffocation. Lastly, oil can change the scent of an animal, which is problematic for young birds who use scent to identify their mother. After oil spills, young birds in the area tend to starve and die.

What effect do oil spills have on plants?

The oil that washes onto coastal lines, mangroves, or other wetland areas will contaminate the plants, killing some and making the rest unsuitable for animals to eat. Because of all the animals that oil spills kill, major changes in the food chain occur during and after clean-up. This can lead to a large increase of plants just outside of the affected area, and a large decrease of plants instead of the affected area because when an oil penetrates the plants, they typically die. 

What effect do oil spills have on humans?

The three main ways humans are affected are physical contamination, food contamination, and economic. Oil spills are extremely flammable. If oil catches on fire, it can produce toxic gases that can damage human lungs. Beyond the air, fires also kill people. In the Deepwater Horizon explosion, 11 workers were killed because of an oil-induced accident. 47 people were killed in the fire produced by Lac-Megnatic derailment. Other situations like these have occurred several times throughout history.

Sources:

NOAA. “How does oil impact marine life?” National Ocean Service NOAA, 26 February 2021, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oilimpacts.html. Accessed 5 September 2021.

Thompson, Andrea. “FAQ: The Science and History of Oil Spills.” Live Science, 23 April 2010, https://www.livescience.com/9885-faq-science-history-oil-spills.html. Accessed 5 September 2021.

West, Larry. “5 Environmental Consequences of Oil Spills.” Treehugger, 11 November 2021, https://www.treehugger.com/environmental-consequences-of-oil-spills-1204088. Accessed 5 September 2021.

Wikipedia. “Oil spill.” Wikipedia, 27 June 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_spill. Accessed 5 September 2021.

Greenhouse Gas emissions are at the highest they have ever been. Emissions from fossil fuels and industry (producing goods and raw materials that we use in our everyday lives) produce approximately 36 billion metric tons annually. This causes rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and other changes in the environment around us.

Most people are aware that tackling climate change has become very important to world leaders. In the United States, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Edward Markey proposed the Green New Deal. This received a lot of controversy. Some considered it ‘too progressive’; others claimed the solutions were unattainable. The debate over this piece of legislation has continued to today. I would like to discuss one of the proposed solutions: high-speed rails.

What is a High-Speed Rail?

A high-speed rail is a form of rail transportation, almost identical to a train, but much faster with the singular purpose being to move people. There are lots of countries that have already installed high-speed rails, including China, Japan, Morocco, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, as well as rails being a major mode of transportation to travel across Europe. In the United States, there is already high-speed rail going from Washington D.C., and Boston however it is considered much smaller in scale than what the Green New Deal proposes, in terms of speed and distance.

How will it help the environment?

Transportation alone makes up for 29% of greenhouse emissions in the U.S. The average car produces 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The U.K. Department for Business, Energy, & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) found that taking a train instead could lower the emissions you produce in a year by approximately 80%.

The introduction of high-speed rails would lead to less need for roads. With fewer roads being built, there would be less destruction of animal habitats. With the rapid rise of our population and globalization of transportation, the amount of people who use cars is increasing dramatically. With more cars, more roads are built to combat large amounts of traffic. High-speed rails do not have that issue. Traffic does not happen on a railway. If fewer people buy cars because the need for them is less relevant, there will be less need to build roads.

High-speed rails produce less than ⅓ of the carbon emissions a plane does. Cross-country trips are much more energy efficient on a train. The fastest train travels at about 220 mph, which makes traveling much faster than using a car, and uses only slightly less time than the average commercial flight. Lastly, the average plane ticket to fly from coast to coast is about $200. The average coast-to-coast rail ticket is closer to $75, making it the more affordable option.

Sources

High Speed Rail Alliance. “Better Travel.” High Speed Rail Alliance, https://hsrail.org/why-high-speed-rail/better-travel. Accessed 3 July 2021.

High Speed Rail Alliance. “Lower Carbon Emissions.” High Speed Rail Alliance, https://hsrail.org/why-high-speed-rail/lower-carbon-emissions. Accessed 3 July 2021.

High Speed Rail Alliance. “What is High-Speed Rail.” High Speed Rail Alliance, https://hsrail.org/high-speed-rail. Accessed 3 July 2021.

Irfan, Umair. “The Green New Deal wants Americans to invest in high-speed Rails.” Vox, 13 February 2019, https://www.vox.com/2019/2/8/18215774/green-new-deal-high-speed-train-air-travel. Accessed 3 July 2021.

Ritchie, Hannah. “Which form of transportation has the lowest carbon footprint?” Our World in Data, 13 October 2021, https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint#:~:text=Taking%20a%20train%20instead%20of,your%20emissions%20by%20~84%25.&text=Over%20short%20to%20medium%20distances,lowest%20carbon%20way%20to%20travel. Accessed 6 August 2021.United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data. Accessed 3 July 2021.

When we consider the term ‘climate change’ we typically think of a global phenomenon. We think of the temperatures rising everywhere, the winter and summer becoming longer and harsher weather in every region of the world. All of these things are happening. However, it’s important to look at how certain regions are being affected by climate change.

Coastal Regions

Approximately 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometers of a coastline. Most of the major global infrastructure is near a coastline. This is because of trade routes. Most of our imports arrive by boat, so major cities were built near the coastline to make this process easier. The ocean levels are rising, which is expected to displace nearly 100 million people. The displaced peoples (or climate refugees) and the possible ruin of major infrastructure will lead to political and economic issues. Governments will not be able to provide these people with the resources they need. They also will not be able to rebuild all of the ruined infrastructures.

Climate change causes more extreme weather. In areas near the coast, we often see tropical storms and hurricanes. The increase in air and ocean temperature will make these extreme weather patterns more frequent and more intense. Mega-storms have gone from occurring once every 100 years to once every 16 years.

Dry Regions

In dry areas like the Southern Great Plains and the Northwest fire seasons are going to become more intense. Forest fire seasons will not only last for a longer period but could become an issue year-round. Fires that occur will be hotter because of the hotter temperatures. Hot temperatures will also make areas drier, which will allow fires to catch easier. This could have political effects also. Governments may not have the ability to stop and/or prevent these fires. Climate refugees will also become an issue here; the government won’t have the resources to help rebuild homes and provide medical aid to everyone harmed in the fires.

Agricultural Regions

In the Midwest and Northern Great Plains, where we have a lot of acreage devoted to agriculture and ranching, we are going to see an increase in rainfall and flooding. This could ruin crops and hurt our food supply. The effects of that would be devastating. Flooding could also destroy homes and leave many people without shelter.

Sources:

Denchak, Melissa. “Global Climate Change: What You Need to Know.” NRDC, 23 February 2017, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-climate-change-what-you-need-know. Accessed 9 June 2021.

NASA. “Effects: Facts – Climate Change.” NASA, 9 June 2021, https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/. Accessed 10 June 2021.

Second Nature. “Regional Climate Impacts.” Second Nature, 2017, https://secondnature.org/regional-climate-impacts/. Accessed 10 June 2021.UCSUSA. “Climate Impacts.” Union of Concerned Scientists, 2020, https://www.ucsusa.org/climate/impacts. Accessed 9 June 2021.

As the dangers of fossil fuels and the threat that global warming is posing become more obvious, many people are looking for alternatives for energy sources. Nuclear power is a form of energy that could be cheap, simple to produce, and sustainable. It has the potential to power all of our homes and buildings, without greenhouse gas emissions. However, many people globally, especially politicians and investors, believe that nuclear energy is too risky and that alternative using energy sources would be better. As American journalist Michael Specter once said, “Humanity has nearly suffocated the globe with carbon dioxide, yet nuclear power plants that produce no such emissions are so mired in objections and obstruction that, despite renewed interest on every continent, it is unlikely another will be built in the United States.”

What is nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is the energy found in the nucleus of an atom. When released, it can produce a substantial amount of power. Nuclear power plants take atoms, mostly ones found in uranium, and go through the process of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is when atoms are split to release that energy. The energy from the nucleus is harvested, and that is what we turn into electricity and use to power buildings and homes. Nuclear fission creates a byproduct of nuclear energy: radioactive material. Radioactive material is hard to dispose of. When not done properly, it can have very serious effects on the surrounding people and animal populations, as well as the environment.

When did nuclear energy arise?

This was first discovered during World War II with the invention of the atomic bomb. After the war, many scientists thought that nuclear energy would be a healthier version of the extremely fatal weapon. When nuclear energy started becoming a more popular idea, nuclear power plants were built. In 1954, the first nuclear power plant designed to provide energy to a community was built in Obninsk, Russia. From there, a few more plants opened all around the world, including in the United States. Despite the success of the first nuclear power plants, many investors saw nuclear energy as a risky investment, as opposed to oil companies and other up-and-coming sustainable energy options like solar energy and wind power. Political leaders saw it as a risk because nuclear weapons could easily be manufactured at nuclear power plants without the knowledge of foreign countries. Others worried that the radioactive waste would contaminate the water and ground surrounding the power plants. Up until the 1970s, nuclear energy was not widely used and most were opposed. War in the Middle East, however, made the price of oil significantly rise, which made countries look for alternative energy sources. 

What are the positive environmental factors of using nuclear energy?

The biggest argument as to why we should use nuclear energy comes from the fact that no fossil fuels are released into the atmosphere. Approximately 65% of greenhouse gas emissions come from CO2 produced in the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. That’s just over 5 billion metric tons being released into our atmosphere annually. The effects of producing that many greenhouse gases are catastrophic and will lead to the temperature of the Earth being too hot. So the appeal to use a power source that produces no CO2 is extremely appealing. Another advantage of using nuclear power is the scale at which it produces energy. A single power plant has the potential to produce enough energy for 47,700 homes per year. The average ‘small town’ in the United States has 6,200 homes.

What are the negative environmental factors of using nuclear energy?

Radioactive waste, the byproduct of nuclear energy, can be very harmful to anyone or anything that comes in contact with it. It’s hard to dispose of, takes thousands of years to break down, and has the potential to alter DNA and cause sickness and disease in humans, animals, and plants. Some of the nuclear power plant accidents we think of when we discuss nuclear energy are: the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant (near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) that had a core meltdown in 1979, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion (formerly found in Pripyat, Ukraine) that happened in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant that had three nuclear meltdowns in 2011. The aftermath of these accidents was prolific, so it’s no wonder people are reluctant; using nuclear energy is risky.

Sources:

Kukreja, Rinkesh. “Dangers and Effects of Nuclear Waste Disposal.” Conserve Energy Future, 2021, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/dangers-and-effects-of-nuclear-waste-disposal.php#:~:text=Although%20most%20of%20the%20time,generations%20of%20animal%20and%20plants. Accessed 10 May 2021.

Kukreja, Rinkesh. “Radioactive Waste: Various Types and Devastating Effects.” Conserve Energy Future, 2021, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/types-of-radioactive-waste.php. Accessed 10 May 2021.

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. Nuclear Energy Explained: How does it work? 1/3. 26 March 2015. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcOFV4y5z8c. Accessed 10 May 2021.

National Geographic. “Nuclear Energy.” National Geographic, 24 May 2011, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/nuclear-energy/#:~:text=Powered%20by-,Nuclear%20energy%20is%20the%20energy%20in%20the%20nucleus%2C%20or%20core,in%20an%20atom%27s%20dense%20nucleus. Accessed 10 May 2021.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data.” EPA, 2014, https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data. Accessed 10 May 2021.

U.S. Energy Information Administration. “How much electricity does an American home use?” eia, 9 October 2020, https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=97&t=3. Accessed 11 May 2021.

U.S. Energy Information Administration. “How much electricity does a nuclear power plant generate?” eia, 28 December 2020, https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=104&t=3. Accessed 11 May 2021.

In 2018, Americans ate nearly 16.1 pounds of seafood throughout the entire year. Many vegetarians find themselves eating fish because it’s an excellent source of protein. Seafood has been a common meal for thousands of years. But lately, the fishing industry has been under scrutiny because of the amount of damage they are causing through overfishing and bycatch. What do you need to know about where your fish is coming from?

What is bycatch?

Bycatch is the incidental capture of non-target species, such as dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and fish of a different species. Bycatch happens because of the gear that is used in modern commercial fishing. The most common types of gear- longlining, trawling, and gillnets- are incredibly effective. Their effectiveness leads to all sorts of creatures getting pulled overboard that the fishermen don’t want. The creatures are then thrown back overboard, however many of the creatures are already dead by the time they return to the water. In the United States, nearly 2 billion pounds of bycatch are thrown overboard annually. That’s over 10% of all animals caught.

Why do fishermen discard so many animals?

The main reason a fisherman will throw a sea creature back into the ocean, regardless of whether the creatures are alive or not, is because they do not have the permits. To legally catch and sell a fish they must have the permits to do so. Big fishing companies, the kind you might buy from at your local grocery store, have very specific regulations about what kind of fish each boat can catch. Another reason may be because the creature isn’t market-worthy. When seabirds are caught, fishermen feel they have to release them back because there is no way to sell a seabird.

What is overfishing?

Overfishing is the depletion of the stock of fish across the world because of too much fishing. The number of overfished stocks in the world has tripled in the last half a century. It’s estimated that by 2048, all seafood will be gone. But if companies in the fishing industry know about this, why wouldn’t they slow the rate at which they are catching and selling? The answer is simple: it would drive up the price of fish to an absurd amount, and ultimately put them out of business.

How does that affect the environment?

Bycatch and overfishing are causing a huge disruption in the food chain. If sharks, dolphins, and other species at the top of the food chain don’t have any food to eat, their population will die off. After some time, smaller crustaceans and some plants will rapidly increase until they consume all of the plankton and small organisms, then they will die off too. Fish are essential in keeping the food chain running properly, but with bycatch and overfishing, we could see the entire thing collapse.

What’s being done?

Many activist groups are taking action by boycotting unsustainable fishing practices. They believe that using more sustainable gear is important and want people to only buy from places that support sustainable fishing. Some companies are following the activist group’s advice and doing so, but others are having trouble monitoring how much fish and bycatch they are catching, while still catching enough fish to make money and keep their companies running.

Sources

Bland, Alastair. “Why 500 Million U.S. Seafood Meals Get Dumped In The Sea.” NPR, 21 March 2014, https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/03/21/292094853/why-500-million-u-s-seafood-meals-get-dumped-in-the-sea. Accessed 13 April 2021.

Molyneaux, Paul. “Bye-bye bycatch: Net design and electronics help fishermen keep their catch clean.” National Fisherman, 2 April 2021, https://www.nationalfisherman.com/boats-gear/bye-bye-bycatch-net-design-and-electronics-help-fishermen-keep-their-catch-clean. Accessed 13 April 2021.

NOAA Fisheries. “Understanding Bycatch.” fisheries.noaa.gov, 2021, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-bycatch. Accessed 13 April 2021.

Pellman Rowland, Michael. “Two-Thirds Of The World’s Seafood Is Over-Fished — Here’s How You Can Help.” Forbes, 24 July 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelpellmanrowland/2017/07/24/seafood-sustainability-facts/?sh=40d748f44bbf. Accessed 13 April 2021.

World Wildlife Fund. “What is Bycatch?” worldwildlife.org, 2020, https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/bycatch. Accessed 12 April 2021.

World Wildlife Fund. “What is overfishing?” worldwildlife.org, 2020, https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/overfishing. Accessed 12 April 2021.